Meegan Cares About Midlife

In this enlightening episode, Meegan Care, an experienced midlife mentor, and psychosynthesis counsellor unlocks the intricate aspects of midlife, specifically for women transitioning through menopause. Gain a deep understanding of your inner journey during this crucial life-stage as Meegan candidly addresses common issues like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the swings of emotional overwhelm. 

This podcast addresses the often overlooked issue of negative self-talk experienced by many women during their midlife years, and provides practical tips to convert it into self-compassion. Discover insightful discussions on the bodily changes during perimenopause and its implications on a woman’s self-conception, including hormonal fluctuations and changes in brain chemistry which impact their mood and self-view.

I emphasize the importance of evaluating mental health in relation to hormonal states for women above 40. We shed light on the inadequacy of knowledge many practitioners possess about menopause and its impact on mental health. Through this conversation, you will be able to separate your thoughts from your identity and avert the compounding of negative self-beliefs.

As the episode continues, take away valuable strategies to break free from the loop of negative self-talk, particularly during the challenging perimenopause phase.

Learn to establish and manage triggers that catalyse negativity, and find out how journaling can help in detangling the mess of negative thoughts clouding our minds. By fostering a more positive outlook on life and practising the art of self-compassion, face life’s adversities with patience, strength, and a gentle acceptance of yourself, just as you are.

Join me in this enlightening journey of unraveling an important narrative and make a significant step towards your mental health and wellbeing in perimenopause. This podcast aims to inspire listeners to integrate more self-compassion into their lives, a practice that nourishes mental well-being and extends to all life aspects.

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Navigating sexual health during menopause and midlife can be challenging, particularly since it coincides with other major changes in life and there remains so much that isn’t openly discussed.

Tune in this week to one of our Most Valuable Podcasts where we talk about everything from decreased sexual desire and what to do about it, vaginal dryness, and urinary incontinence, to the benefits of vaginal moisturiser – just like facial moisturiser but not, of course, for your face! 

Emma debunks myths about sex and explores societal pressures that hinder sexual experiences.

We also touch on the significance of challenging societal and gender constructs and important ways to communicate when dealing with decreased sexual desire.

Join us as we tackle these important and often taboo topics and provide valuable advice and insights to enhance your sexual health and well-being.

This is the conversation I wish someone had with me 10 years ago!

Timestamp:

00:00:55 Public health physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health.

Links & Products mentioned:

Emma Perks Full Circle Physiotherapy https://fcphysio.co.nz/

Dipsea app – Short & Sexy Audio Stories

Yes VM Vaginal Moisturiser

Olive & Bee Intimate Cream

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We explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views menopause, and how acupuncture can be used to support women during this transition.

We chat about the most common symptoms and imbalances that women experience during perimenopause, including the ones that sneak up on you before you are ready!

Nic is an expert in TCM and all things Women's Health, and is one of my go-to people for supporting my own health during menopause and beyond!

Plus, we'll discuss dietary and lifestyle recommendations, Chinese herbs, and how to work with a TCM practitioner to create a personalized treatment plan.

Join us for this empowering conversation!

Links & guest bio:

https://nicdouglasacupuncture.com/

Nicola is not your average acupuncturist. With years of experience, she's not just passionate about women's health and wellness, she is completely obsessed. Nicola has been an established part of the health and wellness community for years, offering individualised treatments and expert advice to women dealing with a wide range of health concerns.

When it comes to fertility, pregnancy, and women's hormonal health, Nicola is an expert. Her mission is simple: to help women achieve their best state of well-being, health, and happiness. She combines the best of both worlds by combining her knowledge in both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine, creating a personalised treatment plan that addresses all components of health.

As a 48-year-old mother of four, Nicola knows first-hand the physical and emotional demands women face, especially during perimenopause. And she harnesses that knowledge to fuel her practice. Nicola creates a supportive and nurturing environment that makes her clients feel heard, seen, and understood.

Nicola is a registered acupuncturist with the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists and holds an Advanced Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as a Diploma in Nursing. She is constantly expanding her knowledge and skills to offer her patients the very best care, recently completing a Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture

With her compassionate approach and expertise in women's health, Nicola is the ultimate partner on your health journey.

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

When I first went through menopause I didn’t think HRT was for me. Two years ago, after further research, and hearing of another woman’s experience with it, I began body-identical HRT, it changed my quality of life significantly and now I regret waiting so long to get started!

Tune in this week to one of our Most Valuable Podcasts where I speak Catherine Keenan a pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and advocate for women’s health. I sat down with Catherine and asked her all the questions I’ve wanted to know the answers to related to HRT/MHT and menopause. 

From the difference between body identical, bio, and just plain generic HRT, the importance of starting hormone replacement therapy early to managing symptoms through exercise and diet, Catherine shares her own experiences and research on the topic. 

She highlights the need for more conversations and information around menopause and urges women to find knowledgeable GPs who are up-to-date on perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy. 

I’m grateful for Catherine’s expertise on this episode, tune in to learn more about managing menopausal symptoms and advocating for your own health.

About our guest:

Catherine Keenan

Pharmacist and Owner/Founder of Vivian Pharmacy since 1994. Manage a team of 20 staff in a busy 7 day pharmacy in a medical centre in Vivian Street.

Board member of Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (2016-2021), Vice President (2019-2021)

“I noticed my perimenopause symptoms affecting my quality of life at the beginning of 2019 and with the help of my GP began HRT.  This is a special interest of mine now and I read a lot of information to assist as many women as possible navigate this time of their lives.  I also feel a holistic approach tailored to the woman themselves is important and this can include many practitioners.  Personally, I have found talk therapy, meditation, mindfulness, acupuncture, along with regular exercise and dietary modifications have assisted me with symptoms and creating a positive approach to menopause and ageing.”

www.vivianpharmacy.co.nz

Links shared:

Dr. Louise Newsom https://www.balance-menopause.com/

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B099JC5HQK/

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/56/

Let's jump into the concept of life purpose. I reckon we've been led up the garden path a bit when it comes to Life Purpose.

In this episode I challenge common misconceptions around life purpose, emphasizing that it's not solely about achieving specific outcomes but rather about finding meaning, value, and connection in our daily lives.

I also give examples of outcome and achievement-focused purpose and why it's a problem. The role of your ego when it comes to purpose and how taking a 1,000-foot view can offer a life changing reframe around finding and living our life's purpose!

As we navigate midlife and its hormonal changes, I explain why this is a valuable time for self-reflection and embracing a deeper sense of purpose that aligns with our authentic selves, as well as how nature helps us with this task.

Join me on this inspiring episode as we bust some myths, and explore, recontextualise and reframe the concept of life purpose!

Journalling Prompts:

• What activities or moments bring me the deepest sense of fulfilment?

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/55/

In this episode, I dive deep into the whole issue of shame, specifically how it affects women during the menopause phase of life. I talk about the stigma attached to menopause and how it impacts us, both emotionally and psychologically. Through the conversation, I emphasize the need to break down these barriers, embrace the changes and challenges, and reach out for the right support, like from medical professionals and menopause support groups.

I stress the importance of understanding that it's okay to seek help and that we shouldn't blame ourselves for the physical and emotional changes we experience during this transition. Also, I talk about letting go of societal expectations and radical acceptance, and the need to reach out to others and seek professional support during this transformative phase.

Many women find midlife difficult, and I'm not here to deny our challenges. But I also know in the bones of my being that midlife is just the beginning and that you're about to embark on the next and possibly most empowered stage of your life. 

Follow Meegan on Instagram here

Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/54/

In this episode, we explore the physiological and emotional impact of perimenopause and menopause on our mental health. We are going to understand the role of the nervous system in stress response, and how to work with it rather than against it.

I discuss the importance of completing stress cycles, why this is more difficult in midlife, and provide practical techniques for managing stress in a way that serves us. 

Midlife can be a time of great change and growth, but it is also accompanied by unique challenges. In this episode, I discuss the concept of stress cycles and how they impact our mental health during perimenopause and menopause.

Additionally, I address the societal stigma surrounding mental health in midlife and advocate for accessible support and treatment options. 

If you're a woman navigating this transformative stage of life, join me as we uncover the secrets to reclaiming our authentic confidence and courage.

Resources mentioned:

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. Dr Emily Nagoski

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/53/

In this episode, I dive into the topic of finding your voice. It's important for women to identify why they feel unheard and speak out.

I'll guide you through reflecting on past experiences and societal conditioning that may have influenced this limitation and offer practical tips to make changes in how you interact with your environment - whether that be your workplace, business, or relationships.

Throughout the episode, I share my personal journey of struggling to find my voice and how I overcame it. From singing to public speaking, teaching, and podcasting, I found various ways to express myself and break free from the constraints society puts on us as women in midlife.

I emphasize that finding your voice goes beyond just speaking; it's about expressing yourself authentically in all areas of life.

If you've ever felt overlooked or dismissed, this episode is for you. Together, we'll unravel common responses to being unheard, empower ourselves to show up more powerfully, and navigate the unique challenges that midlife brings.

Let's reclaim our voices, live authentically, and connect with other women who understand our journey. 

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/52/

When I work with women in midlife, I look for common threads in how we talk about our experience, because ultimately the words point us to our inner experience and how we can break free!

Feeling stuck, lost, and unsure of your life's direction are all such common experiences for women in midlife, that just hearing other women express similar frustrations is supportive in and of itself.

And I think we can go a step further and shoot for a psychological reframe which emphasizes the importance of accepting where you are and letting go of self-judgement or comparison to societal expectations.

Easier said than done, I know, but I hope that this episode where I reflect on my own journey and not being where I want to be as I hit my 53rd birthday, will give you an experience of support and inspiration.

Grab your headphones, take a listen and let's walk this imperfect adventure of midlife together!

Follow Meegan on Instagram here

Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/51/

Jodie Williams brings her distinctive approach, drawing from her background as a registered nurse, naturopath, hypnotherapist, and training in Hakomi psychotherapy.

I had an amazing conversation with Jodie, and she's such a skilled therapist that she even turned the tables on me, helping me dive deeper into my own experiences!

Jodie is a treasure trove of resources and wisdom for women navigating this life phase. She's even crafted a helpful ebook on perimenopausal symptoms and an ingenious symptom tracker to guide women through their journey.

Her approach is down-to-earth and educational, and she encourages open conversations about perimenopause.

Jodie delves into the power of combining hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with complementary therapies to manage symptoms effectively. It's all about finding that balance and practicality in our approach.

Ready to learn more and take charge of your perimenopausal journey? Grab your headphones and join us as we reclaim our wellbeing!

Connect with Jodie:

Website  

managemyperimenopause.com

Resource

A-Z of peri symptoms eBook and perimenopause symptom tracker

myperimenopausetracker.com

Facebook Manage My Perimenopause   

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093200667882

Linkedin Jodie Williams RN

www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-williams-rn

https://www.instagram.com/managemyperimenopause/

Follow Meegan on Instagram here

Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:

Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/50/